Sanjichhat

Sanjichhat is a plateau and main helicopter landing point on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage track in the Trikuta Hills above Katra, Reasi District, Jammu and Kashmir. Located about 9.5 km from Katra and approximately 2.5 km short of the Vaishno Devi Bhawan at an elevation of around 2,800 metres, it serves as a major transit and rest point for pilgrims trekking, using ponies, battery vehicles or helicopter services, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valley.

Visitors at Sanjichhat can expect a wide, flat open area dominated by the Vaishno Devi helipad with regular helicopter arrivals and departures during daylight hours. The site has shelter sheds, seating areas, tea stalls, eateries and small shops selling refreshments and souvenirs. It offers open panoramic views of the Trikuta range and Katra valley. Pilgrims typically pause here to rest and refresh before the final steep ascent to the Bhawan. The area is busy with foot traffic, ponies and battery-operated vehicles.

Sanjichhat has long served as a traditional halt on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route through the Trikuta Hills. Its development as an organized rest point and helipad was undertaken by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to facilitate pilgrim movement and provide amenities on the final approach to the holy cave shrine.

Sanjichhat holds importance as the last major resting point before the Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan, one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage destinations. Pilgrims gather here to rest, have refreshments and prepare for darshan, making it an integral part of the yatra experience and pilgrim culture.